How to Replace Front Brakes 03-04 Nissan Frontier
Difficulty: Advanced · About 150 min · Nissan Frontier
Replace the front brake pads and rotors on a 2003–2004 Nissan Frontier, servicing the hub and wheel bearings during rotor removal and following the Nissan bearing adjustment procedure before road testing.
Tools you will need
- Torque Wrench
- 14mm Socket
- Hammer
- Rust Penetrant
- Jack Stands
- Brake Parts Cleaner
- 21mm Socket
- Bearing Grease
- 6mm Hex Wrench
- Snap Ring Pliers
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Chisel
- Ratchet
- Floor Jack
- Cloth Rags
- 22mm Socket
Parts and supplies
- Front brake pads
- Front brake rotors
- Wheel bearing grease and seals
Steps
Raise the truck and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, raise the front, and support it securely on stands. Remove the wheel and inspect the pads and rotor for uneven wear or scoring.
Remove the pads and caliper
Compress the caliper piston slightly with the old pad, remove the caliper fasteners, and support the caliper without loading its hose. Remove the pads and their slides, keeping both sides organized.
Remove the rotor and hub hardware
Remove the caliper bracket and hub cover. Expose the wheel bearing retainer, remove its locking hardware with the correct tools, and withdraw the hub and rotor assembly without contaminating the bearings.
Separate the rotor and inspect bearings
Remove the rotor from the hub assembly and inspect the bearings, races, seals, and spindle for wear or heat damage. Clean serviceable bearings and repack them with the specified high-temperature wheel bearing grease.
Install the new rotor and reset the hub
Clean the hub and rotor mating surfaces, then install the replacement rotor. Reassemble the bearings, retainer, snap ring, and cover, following the Nissan service procedure to set bearing preload and end play; do not guess the adjustment.
Install pads and caliper
Clean and inspect the caliper bracket slides, lubricating only approved metal contact points. Fit the new pads and reinstall the bracket and caliper, tightening fasteners to the vehicle specification.
Reinstall the wheel
Reinstall the wheel and torque its nuts in a star pattern to specification. Check that the hub turns smoothly without looseness and that the brake hose and bearing cover are secure.
Bed the brakes and verify
Pump the brake pedal until firm before moving the truck. Perform the manufacturer's brake bedding procedure and a cautious low-speed test, stopping if there is noise, pulling, wheel play, or a soft pedal.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.